Ponente
Descripción
Semiclassical gravity is the theory in which classical gravity interacts with quantum matter fields through the semiclassical Einstein equations: matter sources the dynamics of the spacetime metric via the expectation value of the stress-energy tensor of the quantum fields (in an appropriate state), while matter propagates in curved spacetime. Semiclassical gravity is generally believed to describe the semiclassical regime of some yet-unknown quantum theory of gravity, and is relevant in the description of the cosmological evolution of the universe at large scales and for studying quantum phenomena in black holes. Nevertheless, the mathematical properties of the theory have not yet been fully understood, even in the simplest cases in which quantum matter is described by a free field. For instance, the Cauchy problem of the theory is not under control. In this talk, I will give an overview of the theory, putting emphasis on its mathematical and interpretative intricacies. Afterwards, I will discuss some recent progress made in understanding the existence and uniqueness of solutions in several special situations.
